Florian Wirtz silences Liverpool critics with impressive Germany performance | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz Delivers Statement Performance for Germany After Liverpool Scrutiny

For weeks, scrutiny has followed Florian Wirtz like a shadow. His £116m move to Liverpool in the summer brought immense expectations, but also pressure that quickly turned into criticism after a slow start in England. On Monday night, however, the young German playmaker offered the perfect response in international colours, producing two assists in Germany’s 6-0 win over Slovakia and reminding everyone why Liverpool made him their marquee signing.

A Return to Form for Germany

Germany’s victory over Slovakia was dominant from start to finish, and Wirtz was at the heart of it. Twice he found Leroy Sané with incisive through balls that cut open the defence, setting up the third and fourth goals of the night before being substituted in the 77th minute. His movement, vision and calmness in possession were everything his critics had been demanding to see in a red shirt.

It was a timely reminder of the 22-year-old’s quality, arriving at a moment when questions had been asked about whether he could adapt to the physical and tactical demands of English football. In the comfort of the German system, Wirtz looked liberated again, his creativity flowing and confidence restored.

Photo: IMAGO

Pressure of the Price Tag at Liverpool

At Liverpool, Wirtz has faced the inevitable burden of being one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. The £116m fee instantly placed him under the microscope, particularly following Arne Slot’s successful first season in charge, which ended with the Premier League title. Expectations were that Wirtz would immediately elevate an already strong attacking unit.

Instead, early performances were inconsistent. His link-up play showed promise, but the spark seen at Bayer Leverkusen appeared to flicker under the intensity of Anfield’s spotlight. Supporters, accustomed to seeing rapid impact from stars like Mohamed Salah, grew impatient. Monday’s display for Germany, though, may mark the turning point, offering a glimpse of the player Liverpool believed they were getting.

A Boost Ahead of Club Return

Germany’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup will be celebrated across the country, but for Liverpool fans, the biggest takeaway was seeing Wirtz smiling again and playing freely. Confidence, more than anything, is what Arne Slot will hope his midfielder brings back to Merseyside.

His two assists against Slovakia showed the intelligence and timing that made him such a coveted talent. In Liverpool’s pressing and fluid attacking system, those traits could yet make him a decisive figure as the Reds look to defend their Premier League crown.

If Wirtz can replicate his international form in domestic competition, he may soon transform from a scrutinised signing into a cornerstone of Liverpool’s next great side. For now, his performance in Germany’s 6-0 win felt like both a personal redemption and a statement of intent for what lies ahead.